|
SUBJECTS
Birds: Identification, Help for Injured/Orphaned Birds, Threats to Birds, Backyard Bird Problems
Bird Sightings: What's Being Seen at Houston Audubon Sanctuaries and on the Upper Texas Coast, Seasonal Reports, Rare Bird Alerts
Conservation: Houston Audubon Sanctuaries, Land Conservation Projects, Hot Topics (Current Environmental Concerns)
Houston Audubon Activities: Events and Programs for
Adults, Children, and Families, Membership, and Donation Programs
Resources: Newsletters, Maps, Checklists, Nature Areas, Nature Guides, Nature Fact Sheets
If you can't find your answer here, please
contact us. Find full contact information, including office hours, locations, and telephone numbers, on our
contact page.
BIRDS
What is this bird?
To identify a bird, try the
Right Bird online guide.
Once you've narrowed it down a bit, use the
Cornell Lab's online guide for more information.
To learn more about a bird species found on the Upper Texas Coast, visit our
Bird Gallery, which has photos and notes for most of the species seen locally.
I found an injured/baby bird. What do I do?
For emergency procedures see the Frequently Asked Questions on the Wildlife Rehab & Education site.
For a list of wildlife rehabbers, visit the Wildlife Rescue & Rehab Links on our website.
How do I report a threat to birds or their habitat?
Our Threats to Birds and Their Habitat explains the laws and has contact information.
How do I discourage a bird who is being a pest or is flying into my windows?
How to Prevent Birds From Flying into Windows: fact sheet prepared by the American Bird Conservancy.
Dealing with Predators and Pests in Your Yard (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) has much helpful advice.
For more tips, see Backyard Bird Problems on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife site.
Please remember that under Texas law it is illegal to tamper or destroy the nest, eggs, or young of any wild bird.
BIRD SIGHTINGS
What's being seen at the Houston Audubon sanctuaries and on the Upper Texas Coast?
The High Island and Bolivar Peninsula sanctuaries, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, and Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center are all eBird HotSpots. You can check what is being seen by using the observation summary tables. (It is not necessary to register to use the tables).
Check the Houston Audubon sanctuary blog for notes on what's happening at Houston Audubon sanctuaries.
Explore the Texbirds archives for what's being seen in Texas.
What should I expect to see in spring?
Spring arrives early on the Upper Texas Coast with some spring migrants moving through in early March. By mid-April spring migration is in full swing with the possibility of great birding throughout the Upper Texas Coast. Traditionally the peak week for spring migration at High Island is the last week of April, but many years the birding is spectacular both in early April and early May. Galveston FeatherFest, held every year in April offers spectacular coastal birding opportunities with expert leaders.
Urban Birding: Depending on weather conditions, spring migrants can be common with Houston's city limits. Some of the best locations for urban birding include Houston Audubon's Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary in west Houston, Bear Creek Park in west Houston, Russ Pitman Park in Bellaire as well as other city parks and wooded neighborhoods.
High Island: To many, spring migration on the Upper Texas Coast is synonymous with Houston Audubon's sanctuaries at High Island. Birders from all over the world return to High Island each spring to participate in the unique High Island experience. About High Island. Among the many other excellent coastal locations for spring migrants on the coast are Dos Vacas Muertas Sanctuary on Galveston Island and Ananhuac NWR on the Bolivar Peninsula.
Katy Prairie: To experience spring birding west of Houston as well as spring wildflowers, favorite destination are the the Katy Prairie, Brazos Bend State Park, and Attwater Prairie Chicken NWR.
Coastal Shorebirds: See A Birdwalk at Bolivar Flats by Cin-Ty Lee of Rice University for information about spring migrating shorebirds. The first migrants arrive in early March, with migration ending by the end of May.
Hummingbirds: Hummingbird migration occurs March through May. Numbers are not as high as in the fall. See the
Houston Audubon Hummingbird Fact Sheet for more information on hummingbirds.
Purple Martins and Chimney Swifts: Purple Martins are busy with nesting activities, and Chimney Swifts show up in early to mid-March on the Upper Texas Coast. Houston Audubon's swift counts begin in mid-March.
What rarities are being seen?
The NARBA website, a service of Houston Audubon, is the home for both the North American Rare Bird Alert (NARBA) and the Texas Rare Bird Alert.
CONSERVATION
Where can I find out about Houston Audubon sanctuaries?
Our Sanctuary Section has pages on all sanctuaries. Information includes descriptions, locations, hours, maps, and checklists.
What are Houston Audubon's land conservation projects?
Houston Audubon Land Conservation Section
What are Houston Audubon's current environmental concerns?
Houston Audubon Hot Topics
HOUSTON AUDUBON ACTIVITIES
What events and programs does Houston Audubon have?
Monthly Membership Meetings, September through May.
Houston Audubon Family and Children's Programs: Houston Audubon holds programs at Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center and at away locations. Offerings include Bayou Buddies (preschoolers), Girl Scout Badge workshops, Discover Birds Outreach Programs, Family Nature Explore Club, Library Programs, Summer Camps, and Bird Educator Workshops
The Audubon Docents: offer family and children's programs at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, including Titmouse Club (preschoolers), Guided Tours, Birthday Parties, After-School Nature Explorers Club, Owl Prowls, Open Houses, Library Programs, and Summer Camps.
Houston Audubon Bird Counts and Surveys
Houston Audubon Birding Classes
Galveston County Group
Houston Audubon Nature Photography Association (HANPA)
Volunteer Activities: work days and trail days, sanctuary office help, festival assistance, and more.
Donation Programs
How do I Join Houston Audubon?
Membership Information: for new and renewing members.
Houston Audubon Young Professionals: The Night Owls conservation group for ages 21-40.
RESOURCES
What additional resources does Houston Audubon have?
Houston Audubon Newsletters and E-News
Maps and Checklists for Houston Audubon sanctuaries
Houston Audubon Nature Fact Sheets on Gardening for Wildlife, Nocturnal Wildlife, Butterflies and Moths, Bats, Snakes, Make Your Cup of Joe Work for Bird Conservation, and Fall for Composting
Information about Nature Areas on the Upper Texas Coast
Recommended Local Nature Tour Guides
Nature Links for Kids
|
